Series Preview: Twins at Tigers

Minnesota Twins (17-34) at Detroit Tigers (26-26)

Probable Pitchers:
Monday May 30, 1:05p:
RHP Nick Blackburn (4-4, 3.20 ERA, 35 K)
Hitter to Fear: Miguel Cabrera (11 for 24, 2 HR, 10 RBI)
Hitter to Fail: Jhonny Peralta (3 for 20, 5 K)

at

RHP Brad Penny (4-4, 4.45 ERA, 27 K)
Hitter to Fear: Justin Morneau (4 for 8, 2 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI)
Hitter to Fail: Jim Thome (2 for 12, 5 K)

Tuesday May 31, 7:05p:
LHP Brian Duensing (2-5, 4.83 ERA, 37 K)
Hitter to Fear: Brandon Inge (6 for 17, 3 2B, 1 RBI)
Hitter to Fail: Austin Jackson (1 for 8)

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RHP Max Scherzer (6-2, 3.86 ERA, 61 K)
Hitter to Fear: Jim Thome (3 for 6, 1 HR, 3 RBI)
Hitter to Fail: Alexi Casilla (0 for 3, 1 K)

Wednesday June 1, 7:05p:
RHP Scott Baker (2-3, 3.65 ERA, 61 K)
Hitter to Fear: Austin Jackson (5 for 11, 2 2B, 1 3B)
Hitter to Fail: Alex Avila (0 for 4, 4 K)

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RHP Rick Porcello (4-3, 3.93 ERA, 32 K)
Hitter to Fear: Jason Kubel (11 for 22, 3 2B, 1 HR, 2 RBI)
Hitter to Fail: Alexi Casilla (1 for 5, 3 K)

Analysis:
The Detroit Tigers will catch a much needed break as Twins starters Carl Pavano and Francisco Liriano will not start in Detroit. However, the series starts off with Nick Blackburn, who is coming off a very impressive complete game win against the Mariners. In the month of May, Blackburn is 3-0 and a 1.72 ERA. Brad Penny takes the mound for the Tigers, who pitched 3 scoreless innings against the Rays on Wednesday before the game was rained out and postponed. He is 2-1 with a 2.95 ERA in his last 3 starts.

Tuesday night's game will feature two pitchers who have been struggling as of late. Twin's pitcher Brian Duensing is 0-3 with a 8.44 ERA in his last 3 starts. Tiger's pitcher Max Scherzer in his last 3 starts - 0-2 with a 6.14 ERA.

In the finale, Rick Porcello takes the mound for the Tigers. In his last start, he struggled with his command and was given the loss after just 3 innings against Boston. For Minnesota, Scott Baker is coming off an impressive performance against the Angels. He pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out six, he was given the no-decision as the Twins bullpen lost the lead.